3 Best Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss: Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world.
Managing type 2 diabetes can be very challenging; but with the right treatment and self-management techniques, it is possible to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting three of the best diabetes drugs for weight loss; the differences and similarities between three popular medications used to treat type 2 diabetes:
- Mounjaro
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
These medications have become popular because they help people lose weight.
People often desire weight loss, and Doctors know the importance of weight loss to improve health. It sounds like a win-win!
However we must realize that insurance companies do not approve these medications for weight loss. These medications are only approved for the treatment of diabetes (at the time of this writing).
This means that if you do not have diabetes, you may have to speak with your Doctor about alternative options for weight loss. You may also need to speak with your insurance company to find out what medications are approved for coverage.
Let’s take a closer look!
Table 1. Comparison of Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy
| Medication | How it technically works | What the medicine looks like | How often you take the medicine | How you take the medicine | Does it help with weight loss | Risk of low blood sugar |
| Mounjaro | SGLT2 inhibitor | Tablet/Injection | Once daily/Once weekly | By mouth/Under the skin | Yes | Low |
| Ozempic | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Injection | Once weekly | Under the skin | Yes | Low |
| Wegovy | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Injection | Once weekly | Under the skin | Yes | Low |
These medications are effective for managing type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each medication before making a decision and speak with a healthcare provider.
Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy:
Table 2. Pros and Cons of Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy
| Medication | Pros | Cons |
| Mounjaro | – Mounjaro is an effective medication that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. – One of the advantages of Mounjaro is that it does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken alone. – It can also be taken orally and is available in tablet form, making it convenient for many patients. | – However, Mounjaro can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications that can cause low blood sugar. – This medication may not be suitable for patients with a history of low blood sugar or those who are taking other medications that can lower blood sugar levels. |
| Ozempic | – Ozempic is another effective medication that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and promote weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. – One of the advantages of Ozempic is that it does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken alone. – It is also taken by injection once a week, which may be more convenient for some patients. | – However, like Mounjaro, Ozempic can increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications. – Patients who have a history of low blood sugar episodes or take other medications that can lower blood sugar levels should speak with their Doctor about the risks and benefits of Ozempic. |
| Wegovy | – Wegovy is a medication that is used for weight management in addition to treating type 2 diabetes. – Wegovy can lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and promote weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. – It is also associated with improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. | – However, like Mounjaro and Ozempic, Wegovy can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken in combination with insulin or other diabetes medications. – Wegovy is also taken by injection once a week, which may not be as convenient for some patients. – Patients should talk with their Doctor about the risks and benefits of Wegovy. |
In summary, Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all effective medications for managing type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each medication before making a decision. Everyone should talk with their Doctor about their options to determine the best medication that fits his/her needs. If you have any concerns or questions about these medications, it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.
Mounjaro
A Quick Physiology Lesson
The kidneys act like a sophisticated filtration system.
The blood passes through the filter so that all the harmful waste can leave the body safely.
In this process, sugar is filtered out of the blood too.
However we cannot lose all our sugar in the urine because we need it for our survival; and our kidneys know that we need to stay alive!
Our kidneys are smart. So they created a transporter that uses salt to save sugar.
This transporter is called the sodium glucose transporter.
If you block this transporter, you could lose more sugar in the urine.
This is ordinarily a bad thing; but in the case of people with diabetes, this can be a helpful tool to keep blood sugar controlled.
How Mounjaro Works
Mounjaro is a medication that allows your kidneys to let go of extra sugar in the blood.1 Kind of like a friend who helps you through a bad breakup because he/she knows its for your own good.
Kidneys already have overflow spillways that let go of extra blood sugar. However Mounjaro seems to help remove more glucose.1
How to Take Mounjaro
Mounjaro can be taken orally or through injection. It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.1,3
However if you do take other medications, please follow your Doctor closely because you run the risk of low blood sugar.
Advantages
One of the advantages of Mounjaro is that it does not seem to cause low blood sugar when taken alone.1
Mounjaro has also been shown to effectively lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss, which is great for those who are overweight or obese.1
Risks
Although Mounjaro does not cause low blood sugar when taken alone, it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken with insulin or other diabetes medications that can cause low blood sugar.1
Urinary tract infections is another potential complication.
Where there is more sugar, there is more bacteria.
So if your urine has more sugar, you have a higher chance of getting urinary tract infections.
Talk to your Doctor about the risks and the benefits before starting any medication.
Ozempic
A Quick Physiology Lesson
The pancreas is an organ in our body that produces a hormone called insulin.
Insulin helps our body move sugar from the blood into the muscles and organs so that we can use it for energy.
In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or the the body ignores insulin. This causes sugar to build up in the blood, which can make your health complicated.
How Ozempic Works
Ozempic is a type of medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist.4
This medication works by stimulating insulin production and reducing glucagon secretion in response to glucose.4
When you take Ozempic, it can help your body produce more insulin and reduce the amount of sugar that is released from the liver into the bloodstream.4 This can help lower blood sugar levels and improve your overall health.
How to Take Ozempic
It’s taken once a week by injection and can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.6
Advantages
One of the advantages of Ozempic is that it doesn’t cause low blood sugar when taken alone.4
Ozempic has also been shown to effectively lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and promote weight loss, which is great for those who are overweight or obese.4
Risks
However, it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with insulin or other diabetes medications that can cause low blood sugar.4
Wegovy
A Quick Physiology Lesson
Wegovy is a medication that works in a similar way that Ozempic works.
So Wegovy uses the same physiology to its advantage.
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy is also a type of medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist.7
This medication works the same way that Ozempic works.
No two medications are exactly the same. However Wegovy works in a similar manner by helping your body produce more insulin and lower the liver’s contribution of sugar.7
How to Take Wegovy
It’s taken once a week by injection and can help individuals with a BMI of 27 or greater lose weight.9
Advantages
Wegovy has been shown to effectively lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and promote weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.7
Risks
Like Ozempic, it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with insulin or other diabetes medications that can cause low blood sugar.7
Conclusion – Best Diabetes Drugs for Weight Loss
Overall, Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all effective medications for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes.
None of them are insulin, however they all can fall under the category of “injectables.”
However, it’s important to remember that the choice of medication depends on the individual.
Your medical history, other medications being taken, and personal preferences all matter.
Patients should discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the best medication for their needs.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped you better understand these three medications and how they can help manage type 2 diabetes.
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References:
- Mounjaro prescribing information. Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Last revised: July 2021. Accessed October 15, 2021 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/213910s000lbl.pdf
- Mounjaro medication guide: https://uspl.lilly.com/mounjaro/mounjaro.html#mg
- Mounjaro instructions for use: https://pi.lilly.com/us/mounjaro-us-ifu.pdf
- Ozempic prescribing information. Novo Nordisk Inc. Last revised: August 2020. Accessed April 26, 2023 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trial-snapshot-ozempic
- Ozempic medication guide: https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf#guide
- Ozempic instructions for use: https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/ozempic-dosing.html#:~:text=Take%20Ozempic%C2%AE%20once%20a,2%20or%20more%20days%20before.
- Wegovy prescribing information. Novo Nordisk Inc. Last revised: June 2021. Accessed October 15, 2021 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/213051s000lbl.pdf
- Wegovy medication guide: https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf#guide
- Wegovy instructions for use: https://www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/how-to-use-the-wegovy-pen.html#:~:text=Wegovy%C2%AE%20is%20the%20first,in%20a%20different%20color%20pen.
